As all ministers will be aware, the Copyright Act, 1879, as amended (NSW) and the Copyright Act, 1968, as amended (Commonwealth) and Public Service Board directive dated 10 April 1962, require a single copy of all government publications to be deposited free-of-charge with the State Library, the New South Wales Parliamentary Library and all University Libraries within New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Papua New Guinea.

Following the closure of the New South Wales Government Printing office, responsibility now lies with all government departments, statutory authorities and boards to fulfil the requirements of this legislation.

At present, all printing jobs contracted through the Government Printing Service have the library deposit distribution service done automatically.

The Government Printing Service is also able to provide pre-addressed adhesive labels for a nominal fee, to enable departments, authorities, etc who do not contract through the Government Printing Serviceto carry out library deposit distribution without difficulty.

International Standard Serial Numbering (ISSN) and International Standard Book Numbering (ISBN) is also required for government publications which meet the criteria. Serials include periodicals, newspapers. annual reports, year books and journals. Books are regarded as being of five or more pages and exclude brochures, programmes, sales catalogues, etc and those items listed as serials. The Government Printing Service will continue to issue numbers. There is no fee involved.

Labels for library deposit distribution and advice concerning ISSN and ISBN may also be obtained from the Administrative Assistant, Miss Helen Heath, Government Printing Service, telephone 552 9600.

Yours sincerely

Premier